Google AdSense Introduces New Verification Processes for Publishers

Google has added another layer to their verification process to screen out shady fraudsters from joining the AdSense program. The process verifies the potential affiliate’s e-mail, phone and mailing address and ensures the accuracy of your contact information.

The new verification process was not yet put in place when I joined them in 2003.

To verify your e-mail address, Google will send out e-mail to inform you that you will be receiving a Personal Identification Number (PIN) via standard mail.

Google will print your PIN on a 6”x9” postcard and send it via standard mail several days after your account balance reaches US50 for the first time. Existing publishers who have been paid before probably won’t have to go through the verification process – correct me if I am wrong.

Once you receive the PIN, you have to enter it into your AdSense account, and in effect verifying your mailing address.

If you do not enter your PIN four months after the mail out, Google will start displaying Public Service Ads (PSAs) on your site. You account will be disabled after six months pass by and any unpaid earning will be refunded to the appropriate advertisers.

Google also verifies your telephone number to ensure that your information is accurate and up-to-date. It’s an automated process where you click the appropriate link in your account to start the process.

Then you’ll be able to initiate the call and key in a 6-digit verification code. Failure to do this results in the same perils after four and six months.

This verification process is not new as it has been used by several companies such as Rent A Coder and TemplateMonster.com to name a few. I’d like to see this process adopted by other affiliate networks as I think it’ll help bring back advertisers’ confident and reduce fraud in the long run.